cornice

American  

[kawr-nis] / ˈkɔr nɪs /

noun

1. Architecture.

   1. any prominent, continuous, horizontally projecting feature surmounting a wall or other construction, or dividing it horizontally for compositional purposes.

   2. the uppermost member of a classical entablature, consisting of a bed molding, a corona, and a cymatium, with rows of dentils, modillions, etc., often placed between the bed molding and the corona.

2. any of various other ornamental horizontal moldings or bands, as for concealing hooks or rods from which curtains are hung or for supporting picture hooks.

3. a mass of snow, ice, etc., projecting over a mountain ridge.

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verb (used with object)

corniced, cornicing

1. to furnish or finish with a cornice.

cornice British  

/ ˈkɔːnɪs /

noun

1. architect

   1. the top projecting mouldings of an entablature

   2. a continuous horizontal projecting course or moulding at the top of a wall, building, etc

2. an overhanging ledge of snow formed by the wind on the edge of a mountain ridge, cliff, or corrie

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verb

1. (tr) architect to furnish or decorate with or as if with a cornice

Etymology

Origin of cornice

1555–65; < Italian: literally, crow (< Latin cornix ); for the meaning, compare Greek korṓnē crow, crown

Explanation

If your friend wants you to help repair the cornice on his house, you’d better bring a ladder. The cornice is the decorative molding that stretches horizontally along the top of some buildings. The cornice that you see on some buildings serves as a decorative element and also functions as a way to keep rainwater from dripping down the walls. The cornice juts away from the building enough that the rainwater flows away from the building. Not just for buildings, the word cornice can also describe raised decorative molding right under the ceiling in a room or a similar decorative topping that crowns some windows to hide curtain rods.

Example Sentences

Cornice moldings, fluted woodwork, 11 fireplaces and inlaid wood floors preserve some of the property’s 19th-century glamour.

From Washington Post • Mar. 3, 2023

We paused before a House that seemed A Swelling of the Ground – The Roof was scarcely visible – The Cornice – in the Ground –

From Slate • Nov. 8, 2019

Follow up with the double-blacks off Northwoods Express-Prima, Prima Cornice and Pronto.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Ridgeline Snowshoe Tour on Saturday provides an exhilarating ride to the top of the ridgeline on the Cornice Express and a photo opportunity filled two hour hike before downloading on the chair.

From Time Magazine Archive

"The best description of the Cornice, I think, is the one in Ruffini's novel called Doctor Antonio" said Mrs. Clary.

From Mentone, Cairo, and Corfu by Woolson, Constance Fenimore